Posts Tagged ‘friendship’

I just realized it’s August 1st and I am in complete denial. Which shouldn’t shock anyone because I love living in that zone. What in the world happened?

Scrolling through social media, I see all your back-to-school photos and I’m a little sad to not be joining in UNTIL August 27th! Wow, Bozeman! School start dates never looked so exciting!

I can quit complaining now, huh?

I have applied to sub at the high school and still have no idea if they will “accept” me. 🙂 I’ve discovered in my lifetime that every school needs subs and high school is a special spot that not many have the courage to take on. Which is so funny to me because I’d rather hunt in front of Dick Cheney than work at an elementary or middle school.

High schooler’s are my jam!

And as God would have it, I’ve already made a bud from Bozeman HS! I found him in a hottub in Sheridan, WY on my way to Bozeman last week. His name is Jack and he’s going to be a junior. See how God is?

Today I’m heading to lunch with a new friend and I am so excited! Pray for me that I don’t bowl her over with all of my….me-ness!

It’s been a while since I’ve had “friends”.

Lord
Let me be a real friend and not a superficial surface friend. Thank you for every opportunity you give me to be your hands and feet. I am so blessed that someone new wants to share life with me.
Amen

I’ve learned some very valuable lessons this last year. Not everyone who’s in your circle is in your corner. People who you think are your friends aren’t always genuinely your friend. Maybe acquaintance is a better label.

I have 2 friends that have reached out to me just this week that are hurting and struggling with job loss. Both friends are deep into their pain right now. I can relate after all this last year has prepared me for job loss battle. While I don’t have much to offer either sweet friend, I do have the ability to love & encourage them.

So, that’s what I’m doing.

Just being there, listening. Letting them pour out words, tears and fears. Times like these do not call for attitudes of “pick yourself up and get over it” messages. Those come. Right now, both friends need gentle love and understanding.

I’ve felt so alone, so many times over this last year. Friends that I thought were my friends have all but disappeared. I can’t say why and I won’t even try to explain their actions. I have even felt that their shun or absence was because of something I’ve done.

People don’t like weakness. Some people, anyway.

I haven’t needed anything big. Just encouragement. Or a listening ear. Maybe even a “how are you guys doing?” here and there. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had friends do that….I’m talking about the ones who I thought were IN MY CORNER!

Look, I’ve learned that God puts people in your life for a reason. Some are to love you, some are to wreck you, some are to wisen you up and some are to teach you how NOT TO BE. I thank God for every one of them.

Those who stand by and watch you burn…stop giving them the matches.

Back to what I’ve learned, God will reveal YOUR PEOPLE. Pay attention. Stop fretting when He removes the ones that don’t belong there.

Let.
Them.
Go.

In spite of losing a few friends….God opened up the door to some real and lasting relationships for me. I’ve never been a superficial surface kind of friend anyway. God knows friendships take work. I’ve experienced some great support from people who never had a reason to get involved in my chaotic life.

Honestly, it’s a reflection of their heart and of course, God’s love for me.

So, to the people who aren’t my people. Thank you. Thank you for the friendship that we’ve shared and for the lesson on true friendship. I’m not dwelling on what could’ve been or even mad that you’re gone. I’m grateful that I have a heart to love others and see them for who they are – just people.

Who are your people?

Do you know?

Lord,

I want to be a good friend to the people you place in my life. Let me be just what they need, even if it’s temporary. Not every relationship is meant to go the long haul. Help me see every friend with your eyes and not my own. Everyone deserves love, a listening ear and the truth. I want to love like that.